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Copenhagen Amber Museum: A Jewel of Nordic History

Discover the rich heritage of amber at the Copenhagen Amber Museum, where ancient fossils, Viking legends, and modern jewelry blend in a historic 17th-century canal house.

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Nestled at the edge of the vibrant Nyhavn canal in central Copenhagen, the Amber Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone curious about the golden 'Nordic gold.' Housed in a 17th-century mansion, the museum showcases one of the world’s finest collections of amber, including ancient specimens, stunning jewelry, and pieces containing prehistoric insects. Visitors can explore both the artistry and science behind this captivating fossilized resin, gaining insight into its cultural and geological significance in Denmark and beyond.

A brief summary to Den Frie Udstilling

  • Tuesday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-9 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy the museum’s calming atmosphere with fewer visitors.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along Nyhavn, as the museum is steps from Copenhagen’s iconic harbor.
  • Look for unique amber specimens with ancient insects trapped inside—some are over 30 million years old.
  • The on-site shop offers a wide range of amber gifts, but you can browse without an entry ticket to the museum.
  • The historic Kanneworffs House itself is worth exploring—don't miss the views from the upper floors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the heart of central Copenhagen, enjoy a short walk heading toward the vibrant Nyhavn harbor area. As you approach the colorful canal-side houses, the museum is located on a corner directly opposite the picturesque water, just steps from Kongens Nytorv. The route is fully accessible and takes around 5–10 minutes from the main square.

  • Public Transport

    Take the metro or local bus to Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen’s central transport hub. From there, the museum is a brief walk along the edge of Nyhavn’s bustling canal, surrounded by lively restaurants and historic architecture. Public transport tickets within central Copenhagen are approximately 24–36 DKK (one-way).

  • Taxi

    Taxis from major city landmarks or the central railway station will bring you directly to the museum’s doorstep at the edge of Nyhavn. Rides take around 5–12 minutes depending on traffic, with typical fares between 75–120 DKK.

  • Driving

    Accessible by car, the area around Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn offers limited on-street parking. Municipal parking meters are available with rates from 37 DKK per hour. Consider parking garages in the central district for more availability, especially during busy weekends.

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Discover more about Den Frie Udstilling

Step inside the Copenhagen Amber Museum, and you’ll be drawn into a luminous world where time is measured not in minutes but in millennia. Set in Kanneworffs House—a beautifully preserved Renaissance building dating back to 1606—the museum is perfectly positioned at the lively corner of Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn, one of Copenhagen's most iconic and photogenic locales. Here, you'll discover an extraordinary collection tracing the journey of amber from ancient forests to contemporary jewelry ateliers. Marvel at the largest piece of amber ever found, weighing over 47 kilograms, and peer at specimens that have lovingly preserved insects and plant life for more than 30 million years. The museum deftly explores not only the scientific marvels of amber, such as its formation and properties, but also its historical trade routes, significance in Viking mythology, and enduring influence on Danish design. The displays are immersive and thoughtfully curated, allowing you to follow amber’s path as both a coveted treasure and a natural wonder. Exquisite Danish and international amber jewelry are arranged alongside rare inclusions and archaeological artifacts. Interactive exhibits and stories of legendary amber finds make this small museum lively and engaging for all ages. For those wishing to take a piece of Denmark home, the associated House of Amber shop offers everything from elegant necklaces to playful keepsakes. The atmosphere is intimate and elegant, enhanced by the patina of centuries-old wood beams and creaking floorboards. With its central location, inviting ambiance, and unparalleled collection, the Copenhagen Amber Museum is a hidden gem that shines brightly among the city’s cultural attractions.

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